A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Amatriciana
A classic Italian pasta dish, pronounced with a clear 'ch' sound, not 'sh'.
amatriciana
AH-mah-tree-CHAH-nah
/a.ma.triˈtʃa.na/ · a · ma · tri · ciana
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's a popular dish discussed by food enthusiasts and home cooks exploring Italian cuisine.
Where the word comes from
The name comes from Amatrice, a town in the Lazio region of Italy, where the dish originated. It's an adjective meaning 'from Amatrice'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- a.ma.tri.SHAH.nah The 'ci' in Italian is pronounced like the 'ch' in 'church', not the 'sh' in 'shoe'. Focus on that 'ch' sound.
- a.ma.tro.CHAH.nah The vowel sound in the third syllable is 'ee' (like 'tree'), not 'oh' (like 'tro').
Frequently asked
What is amatriciana sauce?
Amatriciana is a classic Italian pasta sauce. It's typically made with guanciale (cured pork jowl), pecorino cheese, tomatoes, and sometimes onion and chili pepper.
Is it pronounced 'a-ma-tri-see-ah-na' or 'a-ma-tri-chee-ah-na'?
The correct pronunciation uses a 'ch' sound, like in 'church'. So it's 'a-ma-tri-CHAH-nah'.
What pasta is best with amatriciana?
Traditionally, bucatini or spaghetti are used. The hearty sauce clings well to these thicker pasta shapes.
